Expert: Diminishing Dawn - 10/29/2010

Question
I have a question regarding referrals.  I apologize if this question was asked by someone else and I just missed it.  The family doctor I have now, ive had for about 3 years and been to him about a dozen times.  He tends to "ignore" my concers for lack of a better word.  And Ive spoken to him before in the past regarding my weight and he has a hundred and one suggestions for me about what I should do and nothing works.  I do not think he will refer me if I ask.  How should I go about bringing this up to him and stressing to him that I am all out of options I need this done.

Is a doctor justified to not refer a patient just because they are "stubborn"

Otherwise, how can I find someone to refer


Thank you

Answer
Technically, if you meet the qualifications, your doctor SHOULD refer you.  It is not his place to JUDGE you to see if you qualify.  I would suggest bringing him some information from this webpage that outlines OHIP's participation in the bariatric surgery program.  If you meet the qualification of a bmi of 40 (or 35 + severe health problems) then it is not his place to deny a referral.  Here's where you can find some basic information.

http://www.bariatricregistry.ca/

Technically he can make his own decision though. there's no hard core rule on this as far as I can tell.  So if you have no luck, you may wish to find a new family doctor who will refer you, get referred to a specialist (endocrinologist) to assess you and your weight/health issues or try a walk in clinic that sometimes may put in a referral.

Good luck!

Dawn